MP backs Land Army badges
Badges are to be awarded to mark the efforts of the Land Girls and Lumber Jills during the Second World War.
Local MP Anne Moffat was instrumental in moves to establish the badge in recognition of the women who worked on the home front to provide food and timber during the conflict.
The government's announcement to award the badge to those who served in the Women's Land Army and Women's Timber Corps was made by Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment.
At its peak in 1943 there were some 80,000 women working on the land, and it was continued after the war, finally being disbanded in 1950.
With their uniform of green ties and jumpers and brown felt slouch hats, they worked from dawn to dusk each day, milking cows, digging ditches, sowing seeds and harvesting crops. They supplied the nation with food, supporting the war effort and avoiding food shortages.
Helpline
Defra has announced that application forms are now available to anyone who believes that they may be eligible for a badge.
They will be able to get the forms by calling the Defra helpline, by post or by e-mail.
The application form will be available on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov uk/farm/working/wla/index.htm
Or applicants may apply in writing to: Mr Dermot McInerney, 5E Millbank, c/o 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR.
Alternatively, applicants may obtain a form by telephoning 08459 33 55 77 or e-mailing Dermot. McInerney@defra.gsi.gov. uk
Awarded
They will need to supply date of birth, approximate dates of service in the Women's Land Army or Women's Timber Corps and the location at which they were stationed.
Badges will be awarded to surviving members as of December 6, 2007.
Badges cannot be awarded to spouses or families of deceased members except where death has occurred after December 6, 2007.
Click here for application form
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Monday 21 May 2012
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